Pine Ridge Vineyards Offers Cozy 'Après-Ski' Experience in Napa Valley

The winery's seasonal cave tasting pays tribute to its Olympic skier founder.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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During the winter months, Pine Ridge Vineyards in Napa Valley transforms its iconic Cabernet cave into a cozy, chalet-inspired retreat for the 'Après-Ski Cave Experience.' Guests can enjoy a curated wine tasting paired with elevated après-ski bites, honoring the winery's founder Gary Andrus, a former Olympic skier who fell in love with Bordeaux wines.

Why it matters

As Napa Valley's vineyards lie dormant in the winter, wineries are finding creative ways to engage visitors and showcase their offerings during the quieter season. The 'Après-Ski' experience at Pine Ridge pays homage to the winery's history and founder, while also providing a unique and immersive tasting experience for guests.

The details

The 'Après-Ski Cave Experience' takes place inside Pine Ridge's Cabernet cave, which is transformed into a cozy, chalet-inspired retreat. Guests can enjoy a curated wine tasting paired with elevated après-ski bites. The concept is a tribute to founder Gary Andrus, a former Olympic skier who fell in love with Bordeaux wines during his time in France. Pine Ridge was established in 1978, shortly after the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, when a Cabernet wine from Stags Leap District famously outperformed leading French wines. Andrus purchased a 27-acre property in the same district, convinced of its potential for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Over time, the estate vineyards have expanded to 160 acres across Napa Valley.

  • The 'Après-Ski Cave Experience' runs Thursday through Sunday for a limited time in February 2026.
  • Pine Ridge Vineyards was established in 1978.

The players

Pine Ridge Vineyards

A Napa Valley winery that was established in 1978 and has expanded its estate vineyards to 160 acres across the region.

Gary Andrus

The founder of Pine Ridge Vineyards, who was a former Olympic skier and fell in love with Bordeaux wines during his time in France.

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What they’re saying

“During a recent visit to Napa Valley on a cold, rainy day, I experienced how wineries embrace the quieter season with unique, winter-focused events.”

— Yuri Shima (Forbes)

What’s next

The 'Après-Ski Cave Experience' at Pine Ridge Vineyards is available for a limited time in February 2026, with advance reservations recommended.

The takeaway

Pine Ridge Vineyards' 'Après-Ski Cave Experience' showcases how Napa Valley wineries are finding creative ways to engage visitors and showcase their offerings during the quieter winter season, while also honoring the winery's unique history and founder.